When I started this substack in January, I wanted to do this post. I trust the time taken does justice to the seriousness of the 'Indian Crown.'
This post will quickly take you through the essence of Kashmir and why is it this important for the three countries: India, Pakistan and China.
Before we go on, take a look at this map depicting the on-ground situation of who controls which part of the territory.
Now, here is a look at the reasons that prompt heavy military action to terrorist activities in the valley between India-Pakistan and factors leading to events like Galwan valley in the east between India-China.
China
Two conflicted regions: Xinjiang and Tibet
Neither finds cultural and ethnic relationships with the mainland. Yet they are administered by them. A road connecting the two, as shown below, passes by Aksai Chin, an Indian territory administered by China. Strategic importance, you see?
Next, 5 fingers theory
As per this theory by Mao Zedong, Tibet is the right hand palm of China. What are the 5 fingers? Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh!
China considers it a moral responsibility to reunite the 5 fingers and palm to the mainland. And hence, the conflict in the Far East and North of India.
There are geopolitical, economic and strategic compulsions pushing China to expand territory in its aim of the Sino-centric world order. Maybe we'll consider more of these some other time.
Pakistan
Yeah yeah, we share a deep history with the western neighbor and are constantly in a state of war. Here're quick pointers emphasizing the importance of the state for India and Pakistan.
Water
I can not emphasize enough how conflicting point this one is! Not the entire issue though sure major one! 5 major waterways of Pakistan pass through Kashmir, 4 of them originate here! Indus Valley Treaty divided the water share. However, we all know how conflicts invite reconsiderations.
Check this map of water bodies and think for yourself!
Hindu Civilizational Influence
Be it the shrine of Baba Amarnath or the relevance of Rishi Kashyap, the civilizational richness of the valley and other parts of the state make it impactful for India and the majority of Indians. Stories of Rishi Agasthya and Sage Bhrigu finds relevance in the Hindu religion.
Rishi Kashyap is considered the man who turned the state into a water blessed territory.
Islamic Fundamentalism: Morocco to Malaysia
Indian discourse and intelligence have found evidence of Pakistan's dream of Gazwa-e-Hind. It uses non-state actors to propagate jihad and anti-India sentiment among the youth. Why? With hopes of plugging the gaps in the Pan-Islamic territorial supremacy from Morocco to Malaysia.
Karakoram Highway and Indian Security concerns
Indian defense sections have been raising concerns around security threats from Karakoram Highway. Indian Defense Review did a wholesome report on this that you can check out further here!
Siachen: Battles and Glacier(s)
1984, 1999: From Operation Meghdoot to Kargil, things changed in the Indian favor. Going forward, the highest battlefield in the world is a rich source of water and has seen gunfights. Need I say more?
Road to Central Asia
The partition of India in 1947 disconnected land routes to Central Asian countries for New Delhi. This restricted the land, cultural, economic and historic ties between the two regions. While the Modi government is making a new bid to reach 5-'stan' countries, it is an Achilles heel for us to not have a direct land connection.
This explains the Indian focus on Gilgit Baltistan and popular discourse to assimilate this land into the Indian mainland. Remember
Jahan Balidaan hue Mukherjee, wo Kashmir humaara hai. Jo Kashmir humaara hai, wo saara ka saara hai!
Emotional and Social connect
Years of conflict, peer to peer connect, security and infrastructural investments and vibrant connection with Kashmir makes it a point of emotion for Indians! No self-respecting Indian is open to accepting a 'negotiated' solution.
Lastly, take a look at the real territory that India administers in the two UTs:
I trust this substack helped you see a multidimensional range of issues leaving the Indian position complex. If you find this insightful, I will urge you to support me as I bring more such perspectives to you.
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